Top try-man Khayange calls time on rugby career

Kenya Sevens legend Humphrey Kayange has called time on his international rugby career.

Kayange, an ever present fixture for more than a decade captained the team to the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens semifinals in Dubai,and also featured in the side that reached the same stage in 2013 in Russia. He also played at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

His announcement via his Instagram page, read, ” It’s my turn to say goodbye!!! It has been about 2 years now that I have been trying to get back to the field for Kenya and run out with the brothers one last time. Guess it wasn’t to be. It is time to say goodbye to my international career in both 7s and 15s.

“The last 12 years have been an unbelievable experience and I have loved every min of it. I have been blessed to play the game for more than a decade and to explore my talent and abilities while injury free for the better part of it.

“I would like to thank a few people that have been part of the journey. My gratitude goes out to my family, mum and dad, Collo, Lee and Mike for all the support they have given me. I have shared amazing memories with my brothers as well.”

Since his debut, Khayange has donned the bright red Kenyan jersey in 68 tournaments in the World Sevens Series, and two World Cup tournaments.

His impeccable show saw him nominated for the IRB Sevens Player of the Year in 2009 while at the same time earning a call up to the Kenya national rugby 15s popularly known as the Simbas, going on to play at the 2011 World Cup qualifiers.

In February 2013, he was spotted by Bristol University rugby officials while training with the Kenyan national at the training facility.

And though he exits the stage, he was magnanimous enough to thank his employers too.

“My Employers KEBS who have been supportive through it all and allowed me to go out and explore my talents for over 12 years. I have been coached by several guys who’ve made me better so thank you very much. For the S&Cs as well, I will always remember some of those painful sessions but it was all worth it.  Mwamba RFC – the rock that my rugby foundation lays on so always glad to have your back guys and know that you have mine .

“The experiences shared will never be forgotten. The critics made us work harder so thanks to each and every one of you.  To the rugby community, including World Rugby, KRU, Samurai International, and  the players, I have the pleasure of playing with and against, I am immensely grateful for the memories, I will take them all with me to the next chapter as nothing compares to the satisfaction you get after a game.”

Report by KRU